Southwest Slovenia

Not to be missed while you’re in Ljubljana is a visit to either the Postojna or Škocjan caves – both spectacular, and both easily manageable either as a day-trip from the capital or en route south to Slovene Istria, to Croatia or to Italy. A trip easily combined with the caves is to Predjama Castle, near Postojna, a sombre fortress craftily embedded into the karst landscape. On the small stretch of Adriatic coastline are a number of charismatic towns, heavily influenced by a legacy of Venetian rule. Of these, Piran is by far the most rewarding, its fishing-village charm and gorgeous architecture contrasting starkly with the brash modernity of neighbouring Portorož.